Edward Wojciak

1927-2014

March 1, 2014

CORTLAND - Edward "Ed" Wojciak, 87, formerly of Orwell, went home to the Lord on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, following a battle with cancer.

Ed was born on Jan. 29, 1927, in Cleveland, a son of Joseph and Magdalene Buganski Wojciak.

Ed enlisted in the Navy in 1944 following his graduation from Garfield High School in Cleveland. He completed basic training in Illinois, and after finishing Cooks and Bakers School, he was transferred to Little Creek Amphibious Naval Base in Virginia. He was transferred to Brown Shipyard in Galveston, Texas, and was assigned to the USS LSM (R) 517.

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Ed received his honorable discharge in 1946, when he returned to Cleveland and attended Fenn College. He joined the PLAV Ernie Pyle Post in Cleveland and became very active in veterans affairs.

Ed resigned in 1950, when he married the former Martha Niemiec on April 22, and settled down to raise a family.

After retirement, Ed again became active in veteran affairs and joined the Polish Legion of American Veterans Lt. Col. Matt Urban Post 164 in Warren. He was instrumental in organizing the PLAV Welfare fund, and helped persuade local grocery stores to set up stands selling poppies on Memorial Day and Veterans Day to raise money for his post and to make donations to local food banks. Ed also placed flags on the graves of veterans who are interred in All Souls Cemetery in Cortland.

In 2008, Ed was named Veteran of the Year, honoring him for his outstanding commitment and volunteerism. During that time, he was elected second vice commander for the Department of Ohio. In 2009, Ed was elected post commander and simultaneously served as first vice commander for Ohio. He held those positions until 2011, when he was then elected state commander for the Department of Ohio, and he was also the director of Polonia Foundation of Ohio, an organization that provides scholarships, grants and other funds to those of Polish descent who wish to advance their education.

Ed had a passion for cooking, he enjoyed polka music and polka dancing with his wife, and he was happiest spending quality time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 63 years, Martha; his three daughters, Mary Wojciak of Warren, Terri Benton of Orwell and Darlene Boda of Florida; his three sons, Joe Wojciak of Austintown, Ed Wojciak of Mentor and Mike Wojciak of Howland; his sister, Mildred Willency of Texas; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Ed was greeted in Heaven by his parents; his grandson, Timothy Fortunato; his great-granddaughter, Makenna Matlack; sisters, Josephine and Helen; and brother, John.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that if friends desire, donations in Ed's name may be donated to the Polish Legion of American Veterans of Ohio, the Wounded Warriors Project, or Hospice of the Valley.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road N.E., Warren, OH 44483, 330-394-6200.